Cafe Food

**Location**: Neighbourly Café at KWENCH, Victoria, BCReports to: KWENCH CEOEmployment Type: Permanent Full-timeCompensation: $60 - $65K + Tips DAY TIME WORK HOURS
Who We Are Neighbourly is our cute and friendly café, located in KWENCH work club and, serving one of Victoria’s most dynamic and creative growing communities. More than just a café, we host long-table dinners, knitting circles, book clubs, and other community-driven events. Warm, welcoming, and full of personality—Neighbourly is where good food and great people meet Job OverviewWe’re looking for a passionate and experienced food & beverage leader to take the reins at Neighbourly, the heart of KWENCH’s vibrant and creative community. You’ll have the freedom to lead, create, and grow while also working collaboratively with management to execute the café’s vision. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love delivering great food and service, and can balance taking initiative with following directions, this is your chance to shape a café and build a long-term career with a company that’s growing and evolving.We are committed to hiring passionate individuals who want to explore their talents and grow with our company. As an equal opportunity employer, KWENCH embraces diversity and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Excellence
- Oversee all daily café operations, ensuring seamless and efficient service across all shifts.
- Develop and refine systems to optimise workflow, reduce downtime, and enhance customer experience.
- Maintain high standards for cleanliness and organisation.
- Manage kitchen equipment maintenance and repairs, keeping operations running smoothly.
- Problem-solve in real-time, addressing any service or operational challenges as they arise.

Leadership & Team Management
- Recruit, train, and mentor a team of skilled baristas and kitchen staff.
- Create efficient schedules to balance staffing needs and labour costs.
- Lead by example, fostering a culture of professionalism, inclusivity, and engagement.
- Conduct regular check-ins and performance reviews, providing clear feedback and growth opportunities.

Menu Development & Food Quality
- Maintain and adjust menu that balances customer demand, sustainability, and profitability.
- Maintain quality and consistency across all food, beverage, and catering offerings.
- Take customer feedback seriously, using it to refine menu items and enhance the overall experience.

Financial & Inventory Management
- Develop and manage budgets, setting and achieving sales/profit targets.
- Monitor costs, waste, and inventory to ensure smart financial decisions.
- Oversee ordering and supplier relationships, keeping stock fresh and waste mínimal.
- Prepare regular financial and operational reports for leadership review.

Customer & Community Experience
- Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that reflects KWENCH’s values.
- Engage with customers, responding to inquiries and feedback with professionalism and care.
- Foster relationships with regular patrons and actively promote the café within the local community.

Event Coordination & Catering=- Work closely with the KWENCH team to manage café-related catering for events.
- Oversee menu design, staffing, and logistics for long-table dinners, private events, and corporate catering.
- Ensure seamless service and high standards for food & beverage at all catered events.

Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing
- Source ingredients from local, ethical, and sustainable suppliers whenever possible.
- Implement eco-friendly practices, including waste reduction, composting, and biodegradable packaging.
- Engage the team in sustainability initiatives and responsible sourcing.

Front-of-House & Guest Experience
- Support front-of-house staff during peak times to ensure smooth service.
- Maintain a welcoming, well-run space that enhances the customer experience.

Health & Safety Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with food safety and health regulations.
- Keep kitchen and café spaces spotless to meet safety and hygiene standards.

Client & Vendor Relations
- Manage relationships with suppliers, vendors, and wholesale partners.
- Ensure timely deliveries and quality control across all products.
- Work closely with clients to adjust and improve services based on feedback.

Qualifications
- Strong food preparation, menu planning, and catering experience.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a café, restaurant, or hospitality management role.
- A passion for learning and growth—always looking to refine your craft.
- Barista experience and knowledge of specialty coffee, including espresso preparation and milk texturing.
- Food Safe Certification (required).
- Serving It Right Certification (required).
- Experience managing inventory, ordering, and supplier relationships.
- Proven leadership skills—ability to train, mentor, and motivate a small team.
- Financial acumen—comforta